GRAPH EXPO 2007 Expands Appeal to Wide Format Printers

RESTON, Va.—Wide format printers, sign and banner shops, and display companies attending this year’s GRAPH EXPO were treated to the latest production wide format technology, substrates and applications, along with an information-packed educational program specifically designed to help them become more productive and profitable.

GRAPH EXPO, held September 9-12 at McCormick Place Chicago, showcased the largest and broadest demonstration of graphic communications technology in the western hemisphere, with live demonstrations of offset, digital, flexo and wide format technologies. Among the 460,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space and 640 exhibits on the show floor, some 147,500 net sq. ft., including the Wide Format Pavilion, was devoted to digital presses and technologies.

GRAPH EXPO’s education program featured nearly 70 seminars designed to show printers pathways to the hottest markets, the tools and equipment they need to tap them, and the methods they can employ to improve operating efficiency and increase sales and profits.

“Our goal in creating this year’s program is to offer tangible value that attendees can put to use as soon as they return to the office,” said Ralph Nappi, president of the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC). “Wide format printers attending GRAPH EXPO will have many opportunities to maximize their stay in Chicago by investing in many relevant educational seminars and presentations, seeing live demonstrations of the latest wide format software and equipment, and networking with their peers.”

GRAPH EXPO’s educational seminars and sessions led by industry experts spanned five days starting with the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference from Saturday, Sept. 8 through Wednesday, Sept.12. Wide format print professionals could opt for a variety of seminars designed to provide practical tips and insights on cutting-edge subjects such as digital asset management (DAM), understanding databases, variable data printing (VDP), and web-to-print. Other seminars focused on subjects such as color management tips and tricks for digital printing, profiting from digital and on demand printing services, surveying the state of printing today, and forecasting where production technology is headed tomorrow. Registrants also chose from eight hands-on computer labs led by design professionals to help wide format professionals and others master the latest software solutions.